Politics
Morales pledges rent stabilization, steady police staffing in Providence mayoral bid
Democratic mayoral nominee David Morales says he would pursue rent stabilization without halting housing construction, keep the police force at its current size and avoid raising taxes. He also plans to end Providence’s contract with Flock license plate cameras and review city services if elected.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — With the general election weeks away, Democratic mayoral nominee David Morales is outlining how he would govern after defeating incumbent Brett Smiley in last month’s primary. The 28-year-old state representative, who has held office for six years, is running against Republican David Talan.
Morales says his democratic socialist label reflects a focus on working people over corporate interests. He has promised to keep the city workforce roughly its current size and said he does not expect to raise taxes, arguing Providence should make better use of existing departments and build partnerships with nonprofit organizations to expand services.
Rent stabilization is a central part of his agenda. Morales said his experience growing up with a single immigrant mother, including periods when the family had to stay with others after rent increases, shaped his position. He argues the city can limit sharp rent hikes while continuing to build housing, though critics say rent controls can discourage development.
“We can walk and chew gum at the same time,” Morales said, describing his goal of protecting tenants while working with developers to build in Providence. Smiley vetoed a rent-control measure; Morales says he expects the policy to advance with him and the City Council aligned.
On public safety, Morales has moved away from an earlier call to reduce police funding. He now says he would maintain the police force at its current size, keep Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez and work with officers to help residents feel safe across the city.
Morales opposes Providence’s use of Flock license plate reader cameras and said he does not intend to renew the city’s contract with the company. The City Council is expected to consider the issue.
He also criticized the quality of city services and said he plans to replace the public works director. On education, Morales called for more support for educators and additional counselors, social workers and school psychologists in schools.
Morales said his support for Palestinians is not antisemitism and pledged to take Jewish residents’ safety concerns seriously. He said antisemitism in Providence would not be tolerated and described some criticism of his position as fear-mongering.
The candidate, who has called for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also said he would consider lawsuits against the federal government over immigration enforcement.
Morales said he will pause his work on a local wrestling circuit if he becomes mayor, though he left open the possibility of returning to his character, “Commissioner Morales.”